The Fiji Cancer Society has initiated its inaugural free cancer screening program in the Northern Division, but there are concerns regarding low participation rates, especially among iTaukei women. Clinical Nurse Karolina Tamani has noted that the turnout was particularly disappointing on the first day, primarily citing the reliance on traditional medicine and late detection as contributing factors to the higher diagnosis rates.
Tamani advocates for women in Labasa and surrounding areas to utilize this free service, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Alarmingly, the youngest breast cancer patient to date was reported to be just 17 years old, underscoring that cancer is not solely a disease of the elderly. Tamani encourages women of all ages, including younger teenagers, to take advantage of the opportunity for screening.
The ongoing three-day screening initiative, which includes services such as pap smears and breast examinations for women and PSE tests for men over 50, is being facilitated in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Bailey Trust and is set to conclude on Friday at the Bailey Trust facility in Labasa.
The urgency surrounding cancer awareness and early detection is echoed in previous reports highlighting the growing number of cancer cases in Fiji. Health professionals have repeatedly emphasized the critical need for timely medical consultations, as late presentations complicate treatment efforts.
This screening program serves as an essential step toward improving community awareness and encouraging proactive health management. With heightened efforts in education and outreach, it is hopeful that more individuals will be encouraged to prioritize their health and seek early intervention.
In conclusion, while the current response to the screening may be underwhelming, initiatives like these are vital in fostering long-term engagement with health services, and they present a promising opportunity for communities to collectively address the challenges of cancer through education and early detection measures.
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